Spring Gate Swindlers Strike Again

Due to extra large rent increases granted by MassHousing previous years, new corporate partners of Rockland Place Apts. dba Spring Gate promised residents they would not request any rent increase in 2009. According to the following document, it was just another deceptive promise made by corporate partners. And, with all of the federal and state funds granted to these corporations, where are those promised security cameras to help identify those involved in crime on this subsidized property? Perhaps one should be installed inside the rental office.



(Click on image to enlarge.)

The 2 excuses provided by Management for their need to raise rents:
1. Increases in General Operating Costs
2. Increased Vacancies Due to Lack of Project-Based Rental Subsidy and closure of rental subsidy waiting lists at area PHA's.

Better Solutions than Raising Rents
1. Stop wasting funds.
2. Cut unnecessary expenses. For example: It's wasteful and costly to run 3 separate offices inside one housing complex.
3. Cut salaries and layoff unnecessary workers. Staff get paid $18. hourly to patch a 1 square foot or less size hole in a wall. They can afford to buy their own bottled water.
4. As for Management's #2 excuse, stop frivolous eviction proceedings against good subsidized tenants for correcting misdated and fraudulent documents. Attorneys are expensive.
5. Stop the deceptive business practices and contradictions. For example, Management's Spring 2009 Newsletter reads, "Spring Gate is now close to being a fully occupied property'. This is clearly a contradiction to their rent increase request.
6. Policies should be enforced and Management needs to be in compliance with appropriate-sized housing. For example, some single residents continue to be in 2-bedroom apartments. Live-ins also increase operating costs by using extra utilities. Lets stop pretending they don't exist.